Writing a Document Based Essay

Writing a Document Based Essay

Part of the N.Y.S. Social Studies curriculum is DBQ essay writing.  This type of writing tests your ability to interpret historical documents.  The documents are connected by theme, time period, and /or historical event. 

1. To do well on a document based question, you need to focus on 3 areas: LAW!

          Look                             Analyze                                   Write

          Look at the documents  Analyze the information                   Write the essay

2. Documents- You will be provided several (often 6-8) documents to analyze.  Answer the short answer questions that follow each document in complete sentences.

3.  Create an outline  before  you begin writing!

• Introduction: Reword the historical context.  Provide a thesis statement (an organizing idea for the entire essay).  Address the tasks.

• Body Paragraphs- Organize the body paragraphs according to the tasks you are directed to answer in the essay question.

• Identify which documents and what outside information you will use to answer each task (and therefore be which body paragraph).

• Conclusion-summarize your main points, reword your introduction.

   

  4.  Begin writing!  Make sure to provide a topic sentence introducing the topic for each body paragraph.  Make sure each body paragraph is at least 8-10 sentences long.  While your introduction and conclusion may be shorter, your body paragraphs must be developed thoroughly with supporting details and examples.  Describe the information in the documents specifically.  This will not only give you more sentences, it will provide the analysis needed for a strong essay. 

   

  5.  Proof-read your essay for mechanical errors (spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.).  Good luck!!